In a city as chaotic as Saigon, the word “oasis” is often used loosely by marketers. However, Oasis Cafe, tucked away in the bustling Go Vap District, manages to live up to its namesake.
While Saigon is famous for its “Koi cafes,” where you sip coffee while giant carp circle all around you, Oasis Cafe takes a more sophisticated, architectural approach to the concept.
Where Is Oasis Cafe in Saigon?
Located on a smaller side street just off a major roundabout in the Go Vap area, the entrance to Oasis Cafe is completely unassuming.
At first glance, the exterior doesn’t seem like anything more than just a normal building. However, the moment you step through the gate and ascend the stone steps, the atmosphere shifts instantly.
Oasis cafe’s design is reminiscent of a “secret garden” from a fantasy film, where you are greeted by a canopy of greenery, the cooling sound of trickling water, and a unique stepping-stone walkway, which you need to be careful walking on, as my fiance once accidentally took a swim with the fish.
These stones guide you over ponds filled with Koi, leading you toward intimate seating nooks or the stairs to the upper levels.
Entering Oasis Cafe – The “Secret Garden” Effect
One of the most impressive aspects of Oasis Cafe is its use of vertical space. Unlike many cafes that feel like a flat room with tables, Oasis is built on multiple tiers.
At the ground gloor you are at eye level with the water and the fish. It is cool, shaded, and perfect for those who want to feel completely immersed in the garden, and close enough to feed the fish if you’re there with children.
Like many of the traditional Koi cafes, some of the seating areas are partially submerged in the water to give you an even closer look at the fish, allowing you to feed them by hand without having to throw your food from a distance or bend over.
The Mezzanine and upper floors offer a bird’s-eye view of the entire layout, allowing you to look down on the stone paths and the shimmering water from above. Here, you will find a different perspective on the cafe’s intricate design, and it is also where you will find slightly more privacy for conversations and larger tables for working.
Is Oasis Cafe Good for Working or Relaxing?
When compared to a more high-energy “photoshoot” location, such as spots like Noong Oi Cafe, Oasis Cafe is a breath of fresh air for those seeking tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
While many themed cafes in Vietnam prioritise aesthetics over functionality, Oasis strikes a rare balance. The atmosphere is generally quiet, making it a viable option for digital nomads or students.
There are some larger tables equipped for laptop use, and the background noise is usually dominated by the sound of water rather than loud music or shouting crowds.
However, the layout isn’t necessarily built for laptop use, so the experience may vary from person to person.
Drinks & Prices at Oasis Cafe
Saigon’s “themed” cafes often mean you’re going to higher prices for the same quality coffees, but Oasis Cafe remains refreshingly accessible. The drinks are reasonably priced, typically falling in the mid-range for Saigon’s speciality cafes.
A traditional Cà Phê Sữa Đá or a fresh fruit juice won’t make you feel like you’re being charged a “tourist tax” just to sit near the fish.
Downsides to Know Before Visiting Oasis Cafe
No review would be complete without a look at the downsides, and for Oasis Cafe, the primary issues stem from its greatest strength: the open-air, water-heavy environment
The mosquitoes during the evening are one of the most annoying aspects you need keep in mind when visiting. Because the cafe is open-air and features extensive ponds and greenery, it is a magnet for mosquitoes, particularly as the sun begins to set.
If you plan to visit in the late afternoon or evening, your peaceful experience can be quickly ruined, as you feel pinch after pinch around your exposed feet or legs, so bringing mosquito repellent is not just a suggestion, but more of a necessity.
While it is much closer to the city centre than the cafes in Thu Duc (about a 15-minute drive from District 1), Go Vap’s traffic can be notoriously unpredictable. The cafe is hidden just enough that a GPS might occasionally get confused by the roundabout exits, so keep your eyes peeled for the small street entrance.
The Verdict
While Oasis Cafe is exceptionally pretty, it doesn’t offer much in way of ‘instagramable’ opportunitiesm other than the initial entrance. While it is undeniably beautiful, it prioritises the sensory experience of relaxation over the pursuit of the perfect selfie.
The “secret garden” vibe is genuinely transportive and unique, and it is one of the few garden cafes where you can actually get some work done. The drinks are good and priced fairly, given the high-quality environment, and the cafe is in a great middle-ground location for those who want a “destination cafe” without driving 40 minutes out of the city.
However, mosquitoes can be a major deterrent to evening visits, limited indoor space can still feel humid on Saigon’s most sweltering days, and if you are looking for specific photo backdrops, you might find the “subtle” use of Koi here a bit too understated.
